What is a Documentary?
A documentary is a type of film or video that tells a true story or explores real-life events, people, or issues. These forms of media are meant to educate or raise awareness on a certain topic, often including interviews, photographs, video clips, and some sort of narration to help explain the information presented. Documentaries can cover a wide range of subjects, such as nature, history, crime, social issues, or personal stories. They are usually made to give viewers a deeper understanding of the world and are shown through a variety of platforms, including on television, in theaters, or on streaming platforms such as Netflix or Hulu.
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace is a fascinating and complex documentary that I have recently begun watching. This production takes the form of a docuseries spread across three seasons, with a total of 16 episodes. The story told through this documentary is one of Natalia Grace, a Ukranian orphan with a rare form of dwarfism. Natalia was adopted in 2010 by an American couple, Kristine and Michael Barnett, who soon after the adoption raised some concerns about the individual's behavior, development, and true age. Believing that Natalia was older than she said she was, these suspicions led the Barnett's to legally change her age from 8 to 22 and eventually abandon her in an apartment. This sparked a national controversy and legal battles over child neglect and fraud, becoming a major news story in the media. Through interviews, legal documents, and depictions of various incidents within the family, this docuseries leaves viewers to grapple with the truth behind Natalia's age and the motivations of her adoptive parents. The Curious Case of Natalia Grace provides perspectives from both parties, the Barnetts and Natalia Grace herself, allowing those watching to see varying viewpoints on this complex issue. The case currently remains unresolved, bringing attention to topics relating to adoption, disability, and the legal system. ​